nd 



GRAFTAGE. 



other methods. A good union admits of a very strong 

 growth, and if the above precautions are kept in mind the 

 vines will equal those produced by the more 

 common methods." 



Cleft-grafting. In cleft-grafting, the stock 

 is cut off squarely and split, and into the 

 split a cion with a wedge-shape base is 

 inserted. It is particularly adapted to large 

 stocks, and is the method almost univer- 

 sally employed for top-grafting old 

 trees, its only competitor being 

 the bark-graft described on 

 page 129. Fig. 118 illustrates 

 the operation. The end of the 

 stock, technically called a 

 "stub," is usually large enough 

 to accommodate two cions, one 

 upon either side. In fact, it is 

 better to use two cions, not 

 only because they double the 

 chances of success, but because 

 they hasten the healing of the 

 stub. Cleft-grafting is at best a 

 harsh process, especially upon 

 large limbs, and its evils should 

 be mitigated as much as pos- 

 sible by choosing small limbs for the operation. 

 In common practice, the cion (Fig. 119) contains 

 three buds, the lowest one standing just above the 

 wedge portion. This lowest bud is usually en- 

 tirely covered with wax, but it pushes through 

 without difficulty. In fact, being nearest the 

 source of food and most protected, its chances of //$>. cieft- 

 living are greater than those of the higher buds. *'*' "** 

 The sides of the cion must be cut smooth and 

 even. A single draw cut on each side with a sharp blade 

 is much better than two or three partial cuts. A good 



118. Cleft-grafting ( x i ) . 



